Get More Omega 3 From Catfish

MALAYSIA - According to the operations manager of the fisheries graduates group, Nik Mohd Firdaus Nik Daud, the Omega 3 content of Omega 3 catfish is about 2.3-2.5 percent as compared to only 0.02 percent in the other catfish breeds.

"The Omega 3 catfish is different as we formulated its feed by using a special mix of fish feed, starch pellets, soya bean, fish oil and a mix of minerals, vitamins and palm oil."

Nik Mohd Firdaus said the group collaborates with the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in conducting research to improve the quality of Omega 3 catfish. This catfish is reared at the fish breeding centre in Bukit Belah, Machang near by.

The Omega 3 catfish has a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acid that comes from phytoplankton.

Apart from that, the Omega 3 catfish is good for the brain and child growth due to its DHA content.

"The human brain needs more than 20 gm of DHA. A low DHA level means a low serotonin level and this can cause emotional stress," said Nik Mohd Firdaus.

Canvas ponds
The Omega 3 catfish is reared in canvas ponds, a new method formulated by the group with assistance from the Kelantan Fisheries Department.

This breeding concept, which entails easy handling with low costs, is capable of providing good income for aquaculture farmers. Kelantan is the pioneer for this fish-breeding method and the Omega 3 catfish is the first aquaculture product to be produced via this technology.